Unexpected Perfection

9

Things are weird with Ayah now.

I try to be polite every time I see her but it just ends in either disaster or embarrassment and I'm really getting sick of it.

I don't really notice how much time goes by until one day when I'm watching tv and an ad for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade pops up.

"Wow, Thanksgiving is almost here."
Mason pipes up from the other couch.

I could have sworn that the summer just ended.

"Forget Thanksgiving, what about Black Friday? I still need to go grocery shopping."
Ayah says, looking up from her laptop.

I rest my elbow on the arm of the couch and try not to fall asleep.

I've been absolutely tired and I have no idea why.

It doesn't help that Ayah's stupid voice mellows me out a little.

Not that I'd ever tell her that.

Or anything, for that matter.

"Theo could go with you, he's always been great to shop with."
Mason snickers.

I tense up as her eyes land on me.

Oh no.

I've learned my lesson about not letting her react first.

She seems very amused.

"As fun as that is to imagine, I don't need a man's protection while I'm shopping."

Fair enough.

"Ugh, you're so independent about everything. It's okay to rely on your friends every once in a while."
Mason says, wiggling his eyebrows at me.

I try not to glare.

"Don't listen to him."
I grumble, folding my arms.

Neither of them seem to care.

"Besides, how am I supposed to get his super awesome Christmas present if he's there?"

I bite my lip, immediately curious.

I didn't think Mason was serious about her getting me something, now I really have to grab something for her!

I haven't gone shopping for a woman in years.

My hands start to sweat.

She raises an eyebrow.

"Nothing you say will put me in a good mood."
I don't bite.

She scoffs.

"I know when you're in a bad mood, Theodore. Right now is not one of those times so do us all a favor and stop being so grumpy."

Shivers run down my spine.

Who does this girl think she is, talking to me like that!?

Is she crazy?

Does she not think I'll get up and kiss her right now?

Let me shut up, even I know I wouldn't do that bullshit.

I'm not that risky.

I have thought about it though. Plenty of times.

"How about you shut up?"
I growl.

She doesn't seem fazed at all.

"Nice comeback."
Mason snickers.

"I don't have to take this. I'm leaving."
I declare, standing up reluctantly.